Alterations: Branch Bank Market Place Middleton

MIDDLETON - The directors of the Union Bank of Manchester a few years ago purchased some property in the Market‑place, Middleton, and in it established one of these branch banks, subsequently altering and re‑adapting the premises, to make them more convenient. These improvements (which have recently been completed) have been necessarily slow, owing to the contract having to be carried out in sections, so as not to interfere with the banking business, which was continued in the building. The alterations consisted principally in removing the lower portion of the elevation fronting the Market-place, and substituting in its stead a dado of Yorkshire pierpoint stone, having a moulded cornice, that also forms the sill for an arcade of windows above, and which have columns, caps, label mould, and arches (with semi‑circular intrados and pointed extrados) of polished Yorkshire stone. The various improvements have been designed and supervised by Mr James Redford, FRIBA, of Manchester; and have been satisfactorily carried out by Mr John Grundy, stonemason, as general contractor; with Messrs, Turner for carpenters and joiners; Mr Ogden, bricklayer; Mr Dean, plumber, glazier, etc; and Mr, Fitzgerald, plasterer; all of whom belong to the district.

Reference           Building News 15 November 1872 page 392